BBC Radio 1 line-up changes: Who’s leaving and who are the new presenters?
MAJOR changes have been announced for BBC Radio 1 and its presenters.
Three presenters will leave their roles at the end of the year as fresh talent is welcomed in.
Which presenters are leaving BBC Radio 1?
As of January 4, 2021, some changes will come into effect at BBC Radio 1.
Part of these changes include three core presenters losing their slots on the radio station.
Here's all on the presenters who have been given the axe in the shake up.
Huw Stephens
Huw, 39, hosts BBC Music Introducing but will continue next year on BBC Radio Cymru and 6 Music.
The radio heavyweight said this of his upcoming departure from the station: "I've always tried to give music the respect it deserves, and I've loved every minute of my 21 years broadcasting on Radio 1."
Phil Taggart
Phil, 33, has been hosting The Chillest Show since 2018, but in the new year will work for BBC Radio Ulster.
He has said: "Someone put on some montage music I am going for a slow walk out the door.
"Thanks to everyone who I've worked with and who listened."
Dev Griffin
Dev, 35, is leaving so that he can focus on other presenting opportunities after 11 years at Radio 1.
His last day on air will be December 20.
He said: "Being a DJ on Radio 1 for the past 11 years and 1Xtra for 7 years has been a childhood dream come true and it’s been a huge part of my life.
"I have made some amazing memories and even better friends.
"It’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to waffle and entertain so many listeners but I’m ready for some new challenges."
Why are they leaving?
The shake-up for Radio 1 has been announced following the appointment of Aled Haydn Jones, the new Head of Station.
He made a statement saying: "Dev, Huw and Phil have been incredibly valuable members of the Radio 1 family over the years.
"They are all excellent broadcasters and I’m pleased we’ll be hearing more from Huw and Phil elsewhere on BBC Radio.
"I’d like to thank each of them for their contribution to Radio 1."
Chris Moyles experienced being cut from the Radio 1 line up in 2012.
After hearing the recent cuts, he said: "Radio 1 is a conveyor belt, and at some time you will fall off it, because of age or not being relevant any more.
"The story goes I was too old for the show. I was 38 when they took us off. They recently hired some DJs who were that age.
"The show is yours for a while – it is like renting a house for a bit.”
Who is replacing them?
Five new faces will be joining the station.
Sian Eleri
Sian Eleri, who works for BBC Radio Cymru, will take over the Radio 1 Chillest Show.
Sian sat in for axed host Phil in 2019 so she's had experience.
Gemma Bradley
Gemma Bradley, who works on BBC Radio Ulster, will be the new voice of BBC Music Introducing.
Gemma tweeted: "I’m so excited to say I’ll be joining the @BBCR1 family in the new year, hosting the @bbcintroducing show on Sunday nights.
"Carrying on from the legend that is Huw Stephens, who has done so much for new artists. So excited for this new chapter x"
Joel Mitchell, Mollie Finn and Fee Mak
In addition, a new Friday show called Early Breakfast Show will prioritise budding talent in the industry with a different presenter taking over each month.
Joel Mitchell will be the first to host this show, followed by Mollie Finn then Fee Mak.
After the BBC made the announcement, Joel tweeted: "This still doesn’t even feel remotely real yet, but I’m gassed to get back behind the mic at actual Radio 1 and be the Friday warm-up / support act for @gregjames in January."
Joel has presented on BBC Radio Leeds and once guest-hosted a slot on Radio 1 in 2019, as did Fee.
Fee attended Kent University where she Fee studied French and Business Administration.
She also was a host on the University radio station CSR 97.4FM
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Mollie studied at Bournemouth University and had her own show on Nerve Radio.
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Mollie told inews: “My show at Nerve was all about having fun, talking celeb gossip and celebrating the best of music, from nostalgic tunes to brand new music.”
She added: "“The whole experience allowed me to try out the weirdest and wackiest ideas – some of which worked, and some less so!”"